Now, to the heart of the problem: The troops trust DoD and the Army. They trust them to be PC and to put them dead last.

When the general talked with us, part of that discussion revolved around the fact that whether it was PTS or suicide, that the Army response was to isolate and identify. Anyone coming forward at that time for either could count on the following things happening:

1. They would be relieved of all combat and most general duties and training. They could count on being transferred to non-combat duties and units. For troops with hearts and souls of warriors, there is no worse fate. Further, it means that they were leaving their buddies behind and in the lurch.

If you haven’t been there, I tell you in all confidence that you really cannot comprehend what a barrier this is. We fight for our friends. We fight for the ability to continue fighting for our friends.